ARCHIVED - Antioxidant Vitamin Research

Oxygen radicals are everywhere because we live in an atmosphere that contains oxygen. Oxidation stress, therefore, is unavoidable - it is a consequence of living. There is an increasing body of evidence that oxidative stress is linked to many diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders (ex. Parkinson's disease), cataracts, and arthritis. One of our strongest defences is to eat foods containing natural antioxidants.

Research conducted in the antioxidant vitamin laboratory focuses on nutritional factors and nutrient interrelationships that influence the bioavailability of various forms of vitamin E and C which may have very important implications in reducing oxidative stress and in reducing disease outcome. For example, current studies focus on investigating the role that antioxidant supplementation may play in modulating biological markers or risk factors for chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease. These include elevated blood cholesterol, abnormal lipoprotein profiles (in particular, oxidized low density lipoproteins), lipid peroxidation events and others.

We are also investigating the placental and mammary transfer of various forms of vitamin E to the fetus and the neonate (particularly the preterm infant) who are susceptible to vitamin E deficiency. Data obtained from these types of studies provide valuable information in formulating Health Canada's preterm infant guidelines for prenatal nutrition as well as providing insights into requirements for infant formulas.

Other areas of research include method development for monitoring various forms and levels of vitamins E and C found in the food supply such as infant formulas, formulated liquid diets, and processed foods. This research is used in a variety of ways. New data enables us to incorporate and update dietary recommendations as well as determine the importance of vitamins and foods in disease etiology.